Carolyn Sackariason and Andy Stone join us to talk about the big news this week including the Silver Queen Gondola on Aspen Mountain. Right at peak ski season the lift blew a wheel bearing - a big one.

The grounded ski lift appears to have had little effect on tourism in town. It is shaping up to be one of the best Holiday season’s in recent years.

Also today we look at Colorado’s mark on history. You can now walk into a store, buy some ganja, fire up the bong and toke it up…and it’s all legal. This is such a big story that Colorado’s biggest news paper hired a marijuana editor to handle the news flow.

Based on historical evidence, evergreens livening up the Christmas celebrations date back to the 1400 or 1500s in Germany and Eastern Europe. Now, Joey Sissom hasn’t been selling Christmas trees in Aspen that long. But, he’s been doing it since 1978. While his tree lot has moved around a bit since he started 35 years ago, I caught him setting up in front of Clark’s Market in Aspen.

With over three-decades in the Christmas tree business, Sissom has a few things to share about what to consider if you are looking for the perfect "tannenbaum" for your celebrations.

For well over 20 years, a staple of Aspen's Main Street opens the doors for a "free lunch" for a good cause every Thanksgiving afternoon.

From 11:30am-4pm today, the Hickory House offered an array of traditional favorites - turkey, roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, slaw and bread along with a drink and a pumpkin pie, of course, for the low, low price of "free". But, donations - suggested at $5 a plate - would go to help the Buddy Program.

FULL DISCLAIMER:I live near Wagner Park in the center of Aspen. I love Wagner Park. My dog and I have played ball in Wagner Park almost every day for 11 years. I believe that open spaces should be cherished and protected. I want to save Wagner Park.

I have lost complete confidence in our elected officials and the City of Aspen to make well informed and reasonable decisions, especially concerning Wagner Park. They always seem to sell out to the highest bidder. My Mom & Dad taught me to stick-up for myself, but warned me not to be a complainer. Every once in a while those two traits come to loggerheads. I don't want to sound like a complainer....but here's my take.

To become a sommelier it takes a lot of training, a good nose and an eye for detail. The new documentary “SOMM” follows several students working toward becoming a certified Master Sommelier – one of less than 200 worldwide. The film shows the intensity of the preparation, the drive of the candidates and challenges they face to become one of less than 200 Master Sommeliers in the world.

“SOMM” features Sabato Sagaria the Food & Beverage Director of the Little Nell in Aspen. Aspen Public Radio’s Rob St. Mary spoke with Sagaria about the film, the effort to become a Master Sommelier and the perfect glass of wine.